Chapter 376: I’ll Remember This Grudge!
The appearance of the Demon-Slaying True Person instantly changed everything.
The moment he appeared, his hand rested on the [No Killing Sword] at his waist. In an instant, every sword cultivator in Jiangnan sensed something and looked up.
"Clang! Clang!"
From True Persons to Qi Refining cultivators, from spiritual treasures to magical artifacts, even ordinary mortal weapons—all began to emit clear, resonant sword chimes as if agitated.
In that instant, Guang Ming, who had remained composed until now, finally changed expression. He instinctively took a step back, and the previously aggressive Buddhist radiance he had directed at Lü Yang instantly withdrew. His supposedly indestructible golden body now felt a sharp pain at the neck.
'Demon-Slaying True Person Ye Guangji'
The number one sword cultivator in the world!
If not for his dislike of combat and reluctance to personally intervene in conflicts between Sword Pavilion and the Saint Sect, the Saint Sect would likely have been beaten back relentlessly by Sword Pavilion!
And Guang Ming's wariness of this man ran even deeper than others.
Because the event that cemented the Demon-Slaying True Person's reputation and earned him universal recognition as the foremost Foundation Establishment cultivator was, in fact, closely tied to Guang Ming himself.
After all, the World-Honored One was no stranger to descending to "fish in troubled waters."
However, unlike Guang Ming's [Manifestation of Victory and Clarity Dharmadhatu], the last time the World-Honored One descended, it was the [Great Compassion Dharmadhatu Observation of the World].
At that time, the chosen vessel was a Buddhist nun from the Pure Land, whose cultivation depth was profound—already at the peak of Foundation Establishment. Empowered by the Dharma aspect, she became unprecedentedly formidable, leading the Pure Land to sweep across the land. She even proclaimed the ambition to establish a [Buddhist Kingdom on Earth] and invited True Persons from all corners to join.
Until that Buddhist nun arrived in Jiangnan.
Everyone knew the sinister nature of the Pure Land. One by one, Jiangnan's common folk were converted. The Sword Pavilion's True Lords had already struck a deal with the Pure Land, tacitly allowing this.
Yet, the Demon-Slaying True Person was furious.
What followed was a battle that shook the world, drawing the attention and astonishment of even True Lords: the Demon-Slaying True Person beheaded the Buddhist nun of the Pure Land in three sword strikes.
The [Great Compassion Dharmadhatu Observation of the World] was brutally slain!
It must be understood that Buddhist cultivators empowered by Dharma aspects could awaken "past-life memories," realizing they were incarnations of the World-Honored One, and their strength would surge dramatically.
Though not the World-Honored One in person, they should theoretically be invincible within the Foundation Establishment realm.
Even if, by some stretch, a Foundation Establishment True Person could contend with them, who would dare to actually win? Who wouldn't fear provoking the World-Honored One?
As everyone knew, the World-Honored One had no shame.
Only the Demon-Slaying True Person was different—because he was the only sword cultivator in Sword Pavilion in countless years with the potential to achieve the [Sword Dao Fruit Position].
Thus, he had backing—and formidable backing at that.
For the sake of the [Sword Dao Fruit Position], Sword Pavilion would never allow the Pure Land to bully the weak.
Thus, the two sides engaged in a fair duel.
And then, that Buddhist nun found herself outmatched in her own game.
After awakening his "past-life memories," Guang Ming could still vividly recall the sword strike the Demon-Slaying True Person had unleashed that day. Instantly, he couldn't help but feel the urge to retreat.
"Patron, you misunderstand. This humble monk was merely joking."
In the next moment, Guang Ming's face broke into a sincere smile: "This humble monk truly only wished to invite this patron to visit the Pure Land for a brief stay."
"Begone."
The Demon-Slaying True Person's expression remained indifferent as the [No Killing Sword] slid half an inch from its sheath, casting a chilling light. The chorus of Buddhist chants that had filled the air instantly vanished, leaving the world in utter silence.
Guang Ming clasped his hands together, seemingly wanting one last glance at Lü Yang. However, Lü Yang's figure was firmly shielded behind the Demon-Slaying True Person. Almost simultaneously, the Demon-Slaying True Person's sword intent surged forth, causing Guang Ming's eyes to sting unbearably, tears streaming uncontrollably.
"Farewell!"
Seeing this, Guang Ming dared not linger any longer. He immediately formed a hand seal for an escape technique, took a step forward, and his figure shattered like a fleeting bubble, vanishing from the spot.
'...Am I saved?'
Witnessing this, Lü Yang was still somewhat stunned, his heart shaken. He hadn't expected Guang Ming, as a Buddhist disciple, to retreat so decisively.
The next moment, a concerned voice reached him:
"Are you alright?"
Lü Yang looked up to see the Demon-Slaying True Person had already sheathed the [No Killing Sword], gazing at him with worry: "Do you still have the strength to withdraw that sword?"
Lü Yang shook his head.
The [Certain Death] sword was a strike of no return. From the moment it was condensed, Lü Yang was already dead—the only difference was when it would be unleashed. Theoretically, there was no way to take it back. Even if he could, given the current circumstances, he had no intention of withdrawing it.
'I must keep a means to restart.'
Though the Demon-Slaying True Person had just saved him, in such a treacherous place, genuine concern was hard to trust. What if he withdrew the [Certain Death] sword, only for the True Person to strike immediately afterward?
At this point, Lü Yang dared not trust anyone.
He could only trust himself!
Thus, after a brief silence, Lü Yang sighed: "I can't withdraw it for now. At best, I can barely control it from being unleashed. That's the limit."
The Demon-Slaying True Person smiled at this:
"Being able to control it is enough. No rush. Once you comprehend [sword intent] in the future, a mere [Certain Death] sword will be easily resolved."
Then, he gave Lü Yang a deep look.
"[Sword Heart Clarity]?"
Lü Yang nodded and cupped his hands: "This disciple gained some insights from annihilating the Myriad Poison Sect."
"Excellent!"
The Demon-Slaying True Person smiled approvingly: "Your injuries are severe. Return to Sword Pavilion with me first, and tell me what exactly happened at the Myriad Poison Sect."
"As you command."
Lü Yang omitted details about his original body and avatar, selectively recounting events. He wasn't worried about the Demon-Slaying True Person attempting to retroactively observe the scene—the entire Myriad Poison Sect had already been erased by heavenly intervention, cleansing all karma. Even an immortal would be unable to reconstruct what had transpired.
Sword Pavilion, Ji Tian Cliff.
The Demon-Slaying True Person brought Lü Yang here without delay, then promptly produced a healing pill for him to take.
"Many thanks, Master."
Lü Yang's gratitude held a trace of sincerity—after all, without the Demon-Slaying True Person, he would have had to self-destruct and restart, losing everything down to his last possession.
Currently, his immortal body had been stolen. Upon restarting, the best he could choose was the cultivation of his sword-path avatar—but sword cultivation was inherently flawed! How could he carry it over? The result would be having to choose the Dharma Body again, rendering this lifetime's efforts utterly futile. How could he accept that?
The sole silver lining was that, bleak as his situation was, he still had Ancestor Nether Whisper on his side.
Thus, even if he had to restart, he would at least wait until Ancestor Nether Whisper had grown stronger. Otherwise, he truly would have gained nothing.
At this thought, Lü Yang gritted his teeth in frustration.
Fortunately, key treasures like the [Qian Tian Universal Manifestation Dharma Body] were bound to the [Book of a Hundred Lifetimes] and had transferred along with his consciousness to his avatar.
Otherwise, far from gaining nothing, he would have been utterly ruined!
In ten lifetimes of cultivation, such a massive loss had only occurred in his earliest lives, when he was still young, inexperienced, and lacking in wisdom.
'Guang Ming, Heaven and Earth...'
I'll remember this grudge.
Just you wait!
At that moment, a Qi Refining disciple's voice sounded from outside: "Acting Sect Master, the Family Head has arrived with Elder Ye Cheng and requests an audience at Ji Tian Cliff."